Maternal overnutrition and pregnancy.

Area of Science:

• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Overnutrition and excessive maternal weight gain are potential risk factors during pregnancy.
• Dietary habits in specific regions may influence pregnancy outcomes.
• Previous data on infant birth weights and pregnancy complications require regional analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between maternal weight gain and pregnancy complications in a specific population.
• To assess the impact of overnutrition on rates of EPH gestosis, cesarean sections, and perinatal mortality.
• To analyze mean infant birth weights in relation to maternal weight gain.

Main Methods:

• Prospective analysis of 500 pregnant women from October 1999 to February 2000.
• Assessment of maternal weight gain during pregnancy.
• Comparison of complication rates (EPH gestosis, cesarean section, perinatal mortality) based on a 12 kg weight gain threshold.
• Analysis of mean infant birth weights for male infants in primiparae.

Main Results:

• Mean infant birth weight for males in primiparae was 8% higher than the Zagreb population mean.
• Significantly higher rates of EPH gestosis (4.0% vs. 1.8%) in women with weight gain > 12 kg.
• Elevated cesarean section rates (9.2% vs. 4.4%) and perinatal mortality (10.0% vs. 2.0%) for women with weight gain > 12 kg.

Conclusions:

• Excessive maternal weight gain (> 12 kg) is significantly associated with increased risks of EPH gestosis, cesarean delivery, and perinatal mortality.
• Overeating during pregnancy, leading to substantial weight gain, poses risks to both mother and infant.
• Regional dietary patterns high in fats and carbohydrates may contribute to overnutrition and adverse pregnancy outcomes.